The Supremacy of God In Preaching (1990, 2004) by John Piper, Book Review

The Supremacy of God In Preaching (1990, 2004) by John Piper

 

“There are always two parts to true worship,” writes John Piper, one of the role models who taught me to delight in God, to love the Scriptures, and to proclaim the truth with passion, “There is seeing God, and there is savoring God. You can’t separate these. You must see him to savor him. And if you don’t savor him when you see him, you insult him. In true worship, there is always understanding with the mind, and there is always feeling in the heart. Understanding must always be the foundation of feeling, or all we have is baseless emotionalism. But the understanding of God that doesn’t give rise to feeling for God becomes mere intellectualism and deadness. This is why the Bible continually calls us to think and consider and meditate, on the other hand, and to rejoice and fear and mourn and delight and hope and be glad, on the other hand. Both are essential for worship.” This is one of the most critical passages in the book. If you get this - especially the preachers - you will see why the work of preaching is not just informing but also transforming the mind and the heart of the (listening) hearers to look Godward. Piper continues by saying that the reason that preaching is so essential is that “it is uniquely suited to waken seeing God and savoring God… with the exposition of the Word of God and exultation in the God of the Word.”

Few people like John Piper understand the real goal, purpose, and high calling of preaching today. Perhaps the other preacher is the late Martyn Lloyd-Jones (I’m currently reading Preaching & Preachers by Dr Lloyd), who said: “To me, the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called.” It is always dangerous, in my opinion, to compare previous faithful preachers with contemporary preachers because times have changed. But if the truth is unchanged, then the means to declare the truth is unchanged too, namely, through preaching. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). But many of the so-called preachings nowadays is nothing more than just a motivational talk or an inspirational sharing or a psychological counselling session. Sprinkling Bible verses here and there, exciting the audiences with music and dramatic actions, delivering TED talks-style man-centred teachings, which people call preaching today. Far from the truth! As much as the judgment of God goes to the modern-day false preachers, the people also play the role and are held responsible for lifting them to celebrity status (read 2 Timothy 4:3). Preachers must teach the truth, and the people must hunger for the truth. How do you know if the preacher is teaching the truth? He will point you to SEE God. How do you know if you are hunger for the truth? You will be longing to SAVOR God.

Read what Pastor John said about the supremacy of God in preaching: “The dominant note of preaching be the freedom of God’s sovereign grace, that the unifying theme be the zeal that God has for his own glory, that the grand object of preaching be the infinite and inexhaustible being of God, and that the pervasive atmosphere of preaching be the holiness of God.” It is God from beginning to end. God reign! There are many gems in this book, and I highly recommend it to every pastor, teacher, preacher, and growing Christian. Although I’m not particularly called to be a preacher but a staff worker, I find this book helps me to remind myself that the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying him forever. [Note: The Westminster Shorter Catechism summarizes the chief end of man by using the word “and” to connect the two statements, but John Piper has suggested that the word “by” would be more consistent]. I have read this book for the third time. The first time I was in the FES Penang office during my visit many years ago, the second time I moved back to FES Sarawak, and again this year. Read it!

#ServeToLead #GrowingLeaders #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #JohnPiper #TheSupremacyOfGodInPreaching

To read my previous #1Book1Week book reviews, CLICK HERE  

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Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace (2019) by John C. Maxwell, Book Review

 

Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace (2019) 

by John C. Maxwell

I've read this book twice. One during my travel to Peninsular Malaysia last year; and then I read again this year. John Maxwell has been my distant mentor ever since I started my first job after graduating from university. One quote from John that I will never forget is this: "Everything rises and falls on leadership." Core principles of leadership like competence, courage, consistency, character, etc. will never change but the world around us changes rapidly. It is not a call to compromise but to adapt - to shift our leadership. John highlights a study that was published in The Flux Report reported that "91% of future recruiting in the workplace will be based on people's ability to deal with change and uncertainty." Change or die!

What is leadershift? John defines it as an ability and willingness to make a leadership change that will positively enhance organizational and personal growth. "Leadershift is not easy," John reminds us, "especially when you first start doing it. Often you leave behind something that has worked to pursue something untested. You'll have to deal with the tension between the stability that gives security and the adaptability that opens up the opportunity... The desire to improve will drive you to keep learning. But here's the good news: learning to leadershift will make you a better leader!" I want that for myself - and as I share this short review - I want this for you too. We all can be highly benefitted from a good leadership paradigm. We all can learn and grow to become a leader we are meant to be. We all can be a better leader.

Here are the 11 shifts that we have to embrace, learn, and practice to be more effective (and relevant) as a leader in the fast-paced world today. I'm good with some, okay with a few, and there are a lot of improvements that I have to make. How about you? Check this out 👇👇👇

#1 The Focus Shift - from Soloist to Conductor
#2 The Personal Development Shift - from Goals to Growth
#3 The Cost Shift - from Perks to Price
#4 The Relational Shift - from Pleasing People to Challenging People
#5 The Abundance Shift - from Maintaining to Creating
#6 The Reproduction Shift - from Ladder Climbing to Ladder Building
#7 The Communication Shift - from Directing to Connecting
#8 The Improvement Shift - from Team Uniformity to Team Diversity
#9 The Influence Shift - from Positional Authority to Moral Authority
#10 The Impact Shift - from Trained Leaders to Transformational Leaders
#11 The Passion Shift - from Career to Calling

Buy this book (or ebook or audiobook). If it's too expensive for you, eat only once per day and save your money. Hey, you need to improve your leadership. Change or die! 😊📖💪 #ServeToLead #1Book1Week #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #Leadership #Leadershift #JohnCMaxwell

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No More Apostolic Succession But There Are 'Apostles' (Colossians 1:1)

“This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy” (Colossians 1:1, NLT)

Paul was qualified as one of the unique apostles, “chosen” and called by Jesus Christ (“the will of God”) personally and an eye witness of His resurrected majesty (read Acts 9:1-31). Paul was able to “proof that [he is] an apostle” (2 Corinthians 12:12) and as well as being inspired to write most of the books/letters of the New Testament. In my own reading and conviction, God has NOT authorized any apostolic succession since Paul was called, so there are no new apostles living on earth today. Timothy was not an apostle but one of Paul’s converts and a fellow missionary.

Question: If there are no apostles today, is there then no representative of God for our times? Hey, yes! There are! In mission and evangelism, God always puts His witnesses in the world. The word ‘apostle’ means ‘a sent one, a missionary’, and certainly this calling has not ceased just because the initial, unique apostles during the time of the New Testament are now no more with us. The Bible says that every believer has been sent to share the Gospel to others - through living and preaching - which has now been given to us. All of Christ-followers are commissioned as messengers and missionaries for God. Our Lord Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere… to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

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Leaders, Don't Quit on Your Calling (Angelus Leadership Video)

Bishop T.D. Jakes once said, "I prefer leaders who have been in the trenches. I tend to prefer people who know what it means to rise through the ranks and see the organization from a variety of angles and positions. Because I am admittedly a pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps person who worked his way up, always crawling before walking, I value people who have enjoyed wide and diverse experiences, people who have failed and learned something from what went wrong, people who shrugged it off and kept going."

In short, leaders who don't quit easily 💪🔥⚡😉

[This short clip is taken from his interview with Steven Furtick at https://youtu.be/QVGk_jwyBXI]

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The W.W.E. of John the Baptist from Luke 3:1-6 (Short Bible Study)

Watch other Bible Study videos:

CHAPTER 1

Luke 1:1-4 https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM   

Luke 1:5-25 https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90  

Luke 1:26-38 https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0  

Luke 1:39-56 https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k  

Luke 1:57-66 https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig  

Luke 1:67-80 https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0  

CHAPTER 2

Luke 2:1-7 https://youtu.be/A-lKr7906JI  

Luke 2:8-20 https://youtu.be/OmCUs95ozUQ  

Luke 2:21-24 https://youtu.be/MfVXnV3X-Og  

Luke 2:25-35 https://youtu.be/-hODLozQbmM  

Mother’s Day Special https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:36-38 https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:39-52 https://youtu.be/QaLBTLSkMls  

_______________

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From Ruth to Rich: Jesus Did Not Feed All the Hungry

As I read late Billy Graham’s Just As I Am (1997) autobiography, I’m encouraged by his wife, Ruth Bell, for her life, support, and works in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association ministry. About Ruth, Billy writes, “God gave Ruth many, many gifts, one of which was writing.” I agree. In this series, I try to imagine (one of God’s greatest gifts to humankind) what would Ruth Bell says to encourage young man like me – and perhaps, you. I hope you enjoy it!

Dear Rich,

Son, someone pointed out that Jesus did not feed all the hungry, heal all the sick or raise all the dead. Yet when He came to the end of His life’s work just before His crucifixion, Jesus said, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). Hours later, His final words on the cross were: “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Often when I am exhausted, I have said, “It is enough!” We each have a limit, like the Plimsoll mark, a line around ocean tankers that indicates when a ship has reached capacity. He who made us knows just how much we can take. He never overloads us. But neither has He promised us strength for tasks that we take on without His direction.

I want God to so order my life that when the end comes, I can say, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” I do not want to feel compelled to say, “It is enough!” before I can say, with His help, “It is finished.” Pray this prayer, my son:

Lord, sometimes I let myself get overwhelmed with unnecessary tasks.
Starting today, I will allow You to arrange
and order my life so that I may accomplish Your will on earth.
Amen.

God be with you,

Ruth

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#AskAngelus_1: In the Ministry, What Inspires You to Keep Going?

Prescilla Edward #AskAngelus:
“As a leader and in the ministry, what inspires you to keep going?”

At first, I thought this is actually two questions. But I then realized that it’s not. If you’re in the ministry, you are a leader. All ministers are leaders in the sense that all of us actually leading people. Either we lead people positively or negatively, effectively or destructively, that’s another story. So, what inspired me to keep going?

Before I answer this question, let me share briefly the reality of serving in the ministry particularly in the student ministry of where I’m serving now: Once in a while I asked myself, “Why should I bother about other people’s faith? Why bother about their spiritual beings?” There was a time when I stand my ground because something is not right, I was rejected. I invested time, money and energy for some individuals, but they didn’t change. I prayed for miracles but sometimes it gets worst. There were a few incidents where my own friends and fellow ministers that I trust backstabbed me. Many times I’m tempted to quit. I wanted to quit. But I didn’t because…

#1 I’m Sure of God’s Calling in My Life. Before I join the ministry, I wasn’t so sure if the urge to go for full-time was originated from my own desire or was it God who is the One drawing me in that direction. To cut the story short, it was confirmed that God really called me to the ministry. He spoke to me through the Scripture, my mentors, friends, strangers, turned of events in my life and giving peace to my heart and mind. To keep going, you got to know God’s calling.

#2 Results or Fruits of the Ministry. Someone once said to me, “Ministry isn’t one mountaintop experience after another. There are plenty of valleys and uphill climbs that we struggle to overcome” and that is true! As I already shared earlier, there were some dark moments when I wanted to quit. But sometimes we tend to forget that there are so many answered prayer, so many faithful friends beside us, and there are changed lives among the people that we ministered. What keeps me going thus far is because I’ve seen many positive and encouraging results – fruits – of God’s power in students’ lives. The fruit becomes sweeter when they tell you personally how your ministry had impacted them!

#3 Scatter the Seeds. Because of the assurance from #1 and the results of #2, although I know that dark night of the soul will visit me again in the future, by God’s grace, power and faith the future outcome will be greater! Just scatter the seeds, be faithful – having joy and personal growth along the way – and let God do the rest. Let Him prosper the seeds. And watch. To keep going, you need to sometime take a rest after you scatter the seeds all day long.

#4 Continuous Learning. Sometime people give up in the ministry too soon because they stop growing (and/or they’re not sure of #1). I never stop learning thus I never stop growing thus I always keep going. I don’t limit myself to only doing student ministry… oh, let me correct that… I don’t limit myself in doing the student ministry. I mentoring them one-on-one and also online. I inspired them through Bible Studies and talks but also through written words (such as this blog) and social media. The most important and indispensable tool in the ministry is the Bible, do you know how rich the Word of God is? Don’t just preach it… write about it, do beautiful arts, create wonderful graphics, compose songs, craft poets – don’t be boring! If you continue learning, you’ll never stop growing, you won’t be boring – you’ll keep going.

[P.s: My Grammarly is not functioning well... I'm sure there are a lot of writing errors. I'm sorry in advance.] 

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Book Review: Spurgeon on Leadership (2010) by Larry J. Michael

Spurgeon on Leadership: Key Insights for Christian Leaders from the Prince of Preachers
(2003, 2010) by Larry J. Michael

Reading biographies – Christian biographies, especially – is one of the best decision I ever made and habit that I will keep for a lifetime. Philip Brooks, preacher, and author, said, "A biography is, indeed, a book; but far more than a book, it is a man… Never lay the biography down until the man is a living, breathing, acting person to you." We who are in the ministry – of all people – ought to read biographies. We minister to real people, and the better we understand great men and their times, the better we can minister to our people in our times. A truly good biography of a great person "has a universal quality about it that makes it touch life at many points," observed Warren W. Wiersbe.

Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), well-known British’s 19th-century preacher, though I never met him, is my spiritual mentor. Since I read two of his awesome biographies Spurgeon: A New Biography (1984) by Arnold Dallimore and Charles Spurgeon: The Prince of Preacher (1997) edited by Dan Harmon, my respect, and admiration for him ever increases. It was intensified by my reading of Spurgeon Gold (2005) collection of quotes compiled by Ray Comfort and a huge volume of The Essential Works of Charles Spurgeon: Selected Books, Sermons and Other Writings (2009) edited by Daniel Partner which is over 1,391 pages! Many great preachers today also admire Spurgeon, men like John MacArthur [in his book Ashamed of the Gospel, MacArthur warned the church today not to be like the world. He uses the life of Spurgeon as an example of a faithful preacher of Christ] and John Piper for examples [he preached and wrote a book entitled Charles Spurgeon: Preaching Through Adversity]. Spurgeon is my spiritual mentor and his life is an inspiration for me. I never dream of becoming like him – far from it – because as Philip Brooks advice, "The object of reading biography… is not imitation but inspiration." Oh yes, an inspiration indeed!

Because of this, I rejoice gladly and read with great interest this book by Larry J. Michael. You can't separate Charles Spurgeon, pastor of the first megachurch in church history, from his excellent leadership. Beside pastored a megachurch, he also began a college to train pastors, founded an orphanage, instituted countless charitable organizations, sending missionaries, and bless other churches through his preaching, publishing books and book ministry for not-well-to-do pastors. No doubt among churches today this type of leader is in high demand, and Spurgeon's leadership style and innovations provide a challenging model. Rich Warren writes, "Spurgeon's model of leadership has profoundly influenced my life and ministry." Tom. S. Rainer agrees, "In every generation as few leaders emerge to set the pace and established the standards for leadership. [C.H. Spurgeon] was definitely one of these great leaders." John C. Maxwell simply says, "I highly recommend this book to all serious students of leadership!"

Here Michael points out not merely the insights of what it means to be an influential leader but also important fundamentals such as Christian commitment and moral character. Moreover, he shows how Spurgeon demonstrated extreme courage and conviction for those principles and how, in the various controversies that surrounded his ministry, he rose to meet them with a genuine sense of Christian maturity and Biblical constancy. Michael also stresses important characteristics such as grasping a vision for the task and prioritizing one's ministry in both the setting and the context of pastoral compassion and leadership. He also highlights Spurgeon as Christian model for both his staff, church members, and – especially for his family. Here too Michael does not exclude the fact that leadership often entails suffering and that was where Spurgeon truly ascended to the heights of leadership (besides physical illnesses, he also suffered depression). This book officially becomes my favorite leadership book!

It is divided into 3 parts and each cover leadership insights that are both historical in its context and practical for today's applications:

Part 1: The Leader for All Seasons

#1 Competence: Developing and Demonstrating Leadership

#2 Confidence: Balancing Faith, Attitude, Initiative, and Humility

#3 Context: Spurgeon in Victorian England

#4 Calling: Conversion and Growth

#5 Character: An Example of Integrity

Part 2: Leading Through the Seasons

#6 Casting Vision: Spurgeon's Goals and Planning

#7 Courage: Standing for Righteousness, Scripture, and Sound Teaching

#8 Commitment: Teaching and Modelling Devotion to Family

#9 Creativity: Preaching, Methods, and Ministry Innovations

#10 Compassion: Personal Toughness and Pastoral Tenderness

#11 Compass: Leading Despite Criticism and Conflict

#12 Coping: Dealing with Illness and Depression

Part 3: Applying the Lessons of a Leader

#13 A Leader for the World in Crisis

#14 A Leader for the Daily Challenge

Do you know why Spurgeon was such a great leader? For your information, he didn't go to any theological school (huh, I’m glad). Humanly speaking, he was self-taught. This is his theology and how he became a great man of God: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is my Lord!" he exclaimed. With Lord Jesus Christ as his Master, only Master, everyone including Spurgeon is nothing but the humble servant of God. He first a follower of Jesus, then only he is a leader of men. Keep this in mind.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Timothy, Remember Your Calling in Life and Ministry (1 Timothy 1:18-19)

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience”
(1 Timothy 1:18-19, ESV)

I can sense Paul’s tenderness toward Timothy by calling him “my child” and also his seriousness by telling “this charge I entrust to you.” Another translation for “entrust” is “commit” which also means to “deposit,” just as I would take my life’s savings and entrust them to Maybank for safe keeping. Paul is placing great responsibility on Timothy by charging him with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But mind you, Paul does not do so with stern authoritarianism (though no doubt Paul have authority over Timothy as apostle) but as a (spiritual) father speaking to the son he loves.

This charge is then reinforced by “the prophecies previously made about” Timothy. I’m not sure what were prophesied about him. I think this is the same reference point to event as in 1 Timothy 4:14, “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.” This may refer to some special revelation of the Holy Spirit concerning Timothy’s call and ministry. Those prophesies, I think, was why Timothy is where he is now in leadership position. Why Paul need to reminded Timothy about his charge? Because the Christian life and ministry is a “warfare” in conflict with all the forces of evils.

Perhaps you, a child of God, reading this article needs to look back to your own “call” to serve the Son of God. It may be that call was to the ministry or some other phrase of the Lord’s service. Don’t forget, my friend that God have called you and His Holy Spirit will guide and empower you. So “be fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in” (1 Timothy 1:18b-19a, The Message). Remember your calling...

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Jesus, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful (Mark 10:46-52)

“Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him’”
(Mark 10:46-49, NIV).

What caused our Lord Jesus to turn His attention away from the large crowd to Bartimaeus, the rudely persistent, blind and outcast beggar? I think, when Jesus heard the magic word: Mercy. “Jesus… have mercy on me!” Mercy is compassion or pity that leads a person to provide relief for someone in misery (not simple say “God bless you…” then walk away). A merciful person is one who feels deeply the hurts of others and acts to comfort and relieve those hurts. You see, mercy is a primary nature of God. God said of Himself, “The LORD God, merciful and gracious” (Exodus 34:6); and Moses said, “The LORD your God is a merciful God” (Deuteronomy 4:31). For Jesus, the Son of God, mercy was one of the essential characteristics of His earthly ministry.

Let’s turn to Bartimaeus now. This physically blind beggar actually could spiritually “see” much more than most people. First, he had heard enough about Jesus to correctly identify Him as “Son of David” a title that designated Jesus as the promised Messiah – God come to earth (notice, Jesus doesn’t deny him). Second, he knew enough about the God of his ancestors to know that He is merciful (heart knowledge, not merely head knowledge). And third, he had faith to believe that Jesus was personally interested in him and would heal him.

When Jesus heard Bartimaeus cry for mercy, He asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). He was merciful and willing to act compassionately to the faithful Bartimaeus. The same quality of mercy that God evidenced in the Old Testament and Jesus demonstrated in the New Testament is available to anyone who sees Jesus through the eyes of faith as Bartimaeus did. Jesus knows where we’re hurting and when we turn to Him with our hurts, He is ready to say, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus’ mercy turned into miracle because of faith. “Rabbi, I want to see,” Bartimaeus replied. “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road (Mark 10:51-52).

There is no pain, disappointment, confusion, fear or loneliness that Jesus cannot understand. When you come to Him with faith crying, “Jesus, have mercy on me!” He will responds either with a supernatural healing or through the caring of a concerned friend or simply by His presence with you or however – He will respond. Like Bartimaeus, you may feel that you are not very important in God’s sight. But when you come to Jesus with faith and brokenness, you’ll discover that you are of the supreme important to God. You may feel that your hurts are not important to God. You may feel that you don’t have a special place in God’s heart. You may believe that God doesn’t have time to bother with you. But if God’s mercy can reach poor Bartimaeus, think what He has waiting for you when you call on Him!

Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” twice (10:36, 51)

James and John answered: We want authority and power (10:37); they were ask to serve first.

But when Bartimaeus answered: I want to see (10:52); he received his sight immediately!

Jesus is indeed, the most gracious, the most merciful Saviour. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Abram Had An Astonishing Capacity for Belief (Genesis 12:1-5)

“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions they had accumulated… they set out from the land of Canaan, and they arrived there”
(Genesis 12:1-5, NIV).

Abram (later will be called Abraham) lived somewhere in modern-day Iraq, most likely from a tribe of moon-worshippers. Nothing in the Bible indicates what kind of man Abram was - nothing about his moral life – that separated him from other pagans. And yet God choses him. Few chapters after the Bible recorded that Abram was quite average in his character and integrity.

But God called Abram anyway. Abram, this childless 75-year-old, would be a great nation someday, and through him God would bless all the nations. All Abram had to do (which is the hardest to do) was leave everything he had ever known – his country, people and household – and follow this mysterious Voice to a new country. The Voice doesn’t mention, by the way, where this new country is, or how long it will take to get there.

Amazingly, Abram followed. Whatever his shortcomings, the man had an astonishing capacity to believe. He staked his whole life on the conviction that God’s promises were true. Again and again, Abram made mistakes. But he always returned to this first conviction: God’s promises are true. That capacity to believe is what made Abram the father of our faith. Obedience come from believing in God’s promises. Abram could not always know what route the journey would take but he learned to trust in God to direct his steps.

How can Abram's faith in God’s promises encourage you
to entrust your needs more fully to God?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus calls Us to Be like Light Shining in the Darkness (Spread the Truth)

Is this the kind of lamp Jesus talking about? Somewhat?

“Then Jesus asked them [his disciples], ‘Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.’ Then he added, ‘Pay close attention to what you her. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given – and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them’” (Mark 4:21-25, NLT).

Jesus probably was speaking to the disciples with the crowd gathered around them. Here in the Gospel of Mark, the discussion of “a lamp”, “a basket”, and “understanding” appear immediately after Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the farmer, seeds, and soils (Matthew 13:3-12. Some accounts in Matthew are parallel with Mark at several places). 

A “lamp” was a lighted wick in a clay bowl full of oil. The lamp would never be lit and then put “under a basket or under a bed.” It would be put on its stand in order to illuminate the room. In the same way, the purpose of the parables (in fact, all the parables that Jesus told) was not to conceal the truth for those who “listen and understand” but to reveal it. For those who are “not listening”, however, the parables become a stumbling blocks for them and thus “what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

Jesus was telling the disciples that the benefits of knowing him were to be passed on, like light shining in darkness. They should “pay close attention” so they would know the truth and be able to share it with others. Jesus added that those who “listen and understand” would continue to grow because they let God’s Word make a difference in their lives; but those who listen casually would miss the point entirely. What can you do and ask from God to “pay close attention” to Jesus and his teachings?

No Secret Please!
What Jesus told his disciples privately, we must share with others. God’s truth requires a clear and helpful explanation to the world. As light fills a room, God’s Word drives out spiritual darkness. Disciples must participate in revealing God’s truth to the world through witness in word (such as preaching and singing) and deed (helping the hungry people). We dare not hide something as important as God’s truth in a closet. How vocal and active is your witness? Maybe it’s time to bring it out of hide.
From: Life Application Bible Commentary: Mark, p.112

Think about this: Christ’s Message about God’s Kingdom is intended for everyone. At times, believers seem to hide their faith from the watching world, as if putting their light under a basket. But Jesus calls us to spread the truth about the Kingdom, scattering seeds (Matthew 13:3-12) and shining light. We can only share what we know, so we should be diligent about listening and learning from the Master. In due time, God will lead us to those whom we can help with what we know. Regardless of your level of spiritual maturity, “let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).

Ask God to help you as you focus you attention on him (In prayer and reading of the Word).

Ask for the Holy Spirit to quicken your understanding and interest. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

12 Advice to Pastors

Picture taken from:
http://blogs.reuters.com/taxbreak/files/2012/10/pulpit-REUTERS-John-Adkisson.jpg

"To aspire to leadership is an honourable ambition"
(1 Timothy 3:1, NEB)

J. Oswald Sanders have 12 advice to pastors:

1. Treasure people who will pray for you every day. 
2. Keep up your spiritual reading. 
3. Trust the sovereignty of God in your life. 
4. Be an early riser and a time miser. Use little gaps to best advantage. 
5. Always have a little more than you can comfortably cope with. 
6. Be willing to step out and do something for which you feel inadequate. 
7. Never lose the desire to grow. On retirement, the Lord has something better. 
8. Watch you attitude toward failure. 
9. Accept the disciplines of God. Suffering tempers us all. 
10. Don’t let finance play a big part in your decisions. 
11. As a pastor, limit your counseling and major on the Word of God and prayer. Keep up your study of the Word. Don’t neglect the Old Testament. 
12. Minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. The secret of the fullness of the Holy Spirit is a yielded life.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus, the Savior Calls Levi, the Sinner (A Reflection on Mark 2:13-17)

“As [Jesus] walked along [the shore of Lake Galilee],

he saw a tax collector, Levi son of Alphaeus, sitting in his office.

Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Levi got up and followed him” (Mark 2:14, GNB).

Since I begin my reflections on the Gospel of Mark, I now discover personally that Jesus is a very controversial figure. He always surprises us with His words and actions. He challenged His disciples and offended the Pharisees. He puzzled His companions and breaks the religious traditions. He shocked those who follow Him and annoyed those who do not. And now, He recruits a tax collector among His followers… What a superb plan!

His action doesn’t surprise us because we don’t see any visible tax collectors in every city in Malaysia until I tell you that they are similar with illegal money lenders who charge high rates of interest as they wishes (or check tax charge in your bill next time). They collect tax for the enemy, the Roman Empire, and extra for their own pocket money. Thus, they are considered traitors and outcasts. They were the ancient-gangsters (with Roman guards), dishonest and greatly disliked by their fellow Jews. What did Jesus think when He said to Levi “Follow me”!? I don’t know. I still amaze and wonder.

“Levi got up and followed Him” was the immediate response. Levi probably has heard one of Jesus’ preaching. Nevertheless, it was instant and risky decision. If the fishermen like Peter and John one day decided not to follow Jesus anymore, they can always return to their occupations – but not Levi. He can’t return to his previous job that easily. Stupid? Perhaps. But I bet Levi doesn’t regret his decision that day. I know it because “later on Jesus was having a meal in Levi’s house.” He throws a party with his fellow “tax collectors and other outcasts” (Mark 2:15). Jesus and His disciples (good guys) mixed with Levi and the outcasts (bad guys) under one roof. Partying, drinking and eating together.

That was why the Pharisees asked, “Why does [Jesus] eat with such people?” (Mark 2:16) They were playing religious game which prohibited ‘righteous’ people (like them of course) from dirtying their hands with known sinners. They are like this friend of mine who asked me why I go karaoke, watching movies, BBQ, play bowling and futsal, and hang out with drinkers and smokers outside church circles. “Jesus heard them and answered, ‘People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts.” (Mark 2:17). Jesus is saying that He come for those who realize that they are sinners in need of a Savior, not to those who called themselves ‘righteous.’

Remember, Jesus calls us to be “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). Salt cannot accomplish its purpose while sitting in the salt shaker. We need to sprinkle ourselves among the unbelievers in the world in order to affect them. If we only have Christian friends, attend only Christian activities and going only to Christian places, we’re guilty of not being “the salt of the earth” in the world. We must communicate God’s love firsthand, as Jesus did to Levi, to those who need the Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Fyi: Levi, the tax collector is Matthew (another name), the apostles.

He is the one who wrote the Gospel of Matthew]

I wonder; what if he did not answered Jesus’ call that day? Hmmm…

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.